Mapping experience to human computer interaction: taking sonar into the 21st century

Existing operational sonar human machine interface (HMI) is outdated compared to the interfaces on commercial off-the-shelf PC. In order to reduce training costs and optimise training, we need to build on the advances made in HMI design over the past decade. By using contemporary computer analogies and the use of icon driven controls Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd (TMSL) is developing a next generation sonar HMI which capitalises on existing HMI skills the operator brings to the task, thereby making the interface more intuitive and easy to use. Experiments investigating the effects of workload are ongoing in the TMSL Human Factors Laboratory